The Highland tourist tax: Is Scotland pricing out whisky tourists? Whisky The latest available data from the Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor in Scotland (STEAM) shows that between 2012 and 2024, visitor numbers to the Highlands increased 82 per cent to 9.4m. Spending increased by a similar amount, to £2.1bn. A large share of that is directly linked to the Scotch whisky sector. You’d think, therefore, [...]
Holiday Inn owner suffers Middle East slowdown as Iran war hits tourism Hospitality The owner of Holiday Inn has suffered a slump in revenue at its Middle Eastern business as the Iran war knocked the region’s tourist economy. Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) said its revenue per available room in the Middle East slipped by 19 per cent in the three months to June. This followed a two per [...]
Susannah Streeter: investors are bracing for tax rises Opinion The Notebook, where the City’s movers and shakers have their say. Today financial commentator Susannah Streeter takes the pen Usually, at this time of year we would be enjoying Médoc’s beautiful beaches, looking forward to long lunches, endless stretches of Atlantic coastline and enjoying the region’s famous wine as the sun sets. But the devastating [...]
Burnham urged to axe tourist tax expansion in devolution drive August 3, 2026 A leading hospitality trade body has urged Andy Burnham to drop plans to expand the so-called “tourist tax” across the country as part of his devolution drive. UK Hospitality (UKH) has written a letter to the Prime Minister, seen by City AM, warning that the government’s overnight visitor levy would cost 33,000 jobs in the [...]
James Reed: My advice for Andy Burnham on his big promotion July 29, 2026 James Reed, whose worked in recruitment for over three decades, shares his three tips for Andy Burnham on starting his big new job Having worked in recruitment for over 30 years, I am often asked for my advice on starting a big new job. They don’t come much bigger – or more scrutinised – than [...]
Volkswagen California 2026 review: plenty of room at the Hotel California July 24, 2026 Britain’s best-selling vehicle so far in 2026 is the Ford Puma. Visit the south coast in holiday season, though, and you’d swear the Volkswagen California occupies that top spot. Whether trapped in tourist traffic, parked beside the beach or looking cool on a campsite, these things are everywhere. Volkswagen campers have enjoyed cult status since [...]
Hilton, Butlins left fuming over business rates snub July 24, 2026 Hilton and Butlins have been left fuming after being snubbed by Andy Burnham’s pledge to slash business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues. The two hospitality giants said that hotels and resorts have been unfairly ignored by successive government interventions to cut the business rates bills of hospitality firms. Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president [...]
Manchester United accused of banning loyal fans to make space for big-spending tourists July 22, 2026 Manchester United supporters have accused the club of attempting to force out season ticket holders in order to generate more revenue from tourists and corporates. Season ticket holders of several decades started receiving emails – seen by City AM – informing them their accounts had been restricted after the club identified activity “that may indicate” [...]
London is Open for Business – But Only If We Get Planning Right July 8, 2026 Nearly seven years ago, Central London Alliance was founded on a simple premise: London needed to fight for its own recovery. At the time, Tony Matharu assumed it might take eight months. It has taken considerably longer – and the fight is not over. In the latest episode of London Talking, Tony sits down with [...]
Britain can’t afford a self-harming tourist tax July 8, 2026 Tourism is exactly the kind of industry that the country needs more of, yet it’s about to be taxed like a burden instead, says Anne Strickland With millions of us packing for summer holidays this month, it is worth remembering that tourism in the United Kingdom is one of the industries that we are still [...]